Trikke riders conquering the Creek.
Aliso Creek. A 26-mile adventure in Orange County, California. A rite of passage in a mountainous region reminiscent of the Wild West. A wilderness trail that separates the men from the boys, and the women from the girls.
It’s the site of Southern California’s longest running annual Trikke ride, the six-year-old Aliso Creek Endurance Ride, happening each June.
So demanding, so grueling, yet so luring, some need to “conquer the Creek” repeatedly.
For the second consecutive year, Trikke Trainer Martin Vasilevski has created a fall version of this classic ride, the 2nd Annual Aliso Creek Ride Fall Edition, for those who just can’t get enough.
To make sure Vasilevski isn’t certifiable, TrikkeWorld went in search of a little perspective. Here now, our Q&A with the OC trainer who seems to love this OC trail.
TrikkeWorld Magazine: What is it about Aliso Creek that keeps you coming back? Why do you love this ride so much?
Martin Vasilevski: It’s a trail that connects the most scenic parks in Orange County; it’s also a very challenging and good for hill climb training.
TWM: Who should do this ride and who shouldn’t do this ride?
MV: In my opinion, anyone who can ride on 0-5 degree incline can do this ride. If you’re beginner and have a trouble riding on parking lot that isn’t completely flat, don’t show up. But if you’re already doing small hills, then you should challenge yourself with this one. Remember: this is 26 miles long (13 miles uphill, followed by 13 miles downhill), so please consider the distance, too.
Martin Vasilevski
TWM: As a Trikke trainer, what’s your best advice for hill climbing?
MV: Hill climbing takes some time. My advice is to find a hill that you can almost climb and train on it. Then move on the next bigger hill and work on that one, and so on.
TWM: The first time you did Aliso Creek, it was on a bike, true? What’s the score, how many times, bike vs. Trikke.
MV: Yes, it’s true, the first time was on a bike because I knew I couldn’t do hills. Believe it or not, the last time I did Aliso was also on bike, so that’s three times on bike and probably never again. The last time, my knee started hurting. Doing Aliso Creek on a Trikke is a blast and I love it so much, I’d probably do it every weekend, if I could. So far, I’ve done it seven times on Trikke, once on a T8 instead of my T12.
Ride details:
Meeting spot:
Aliso & Wood Canyons Regional Park
28373 Alicia Parkway
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677-1355
For anyone wishing to do the downhill portion only, meet-up at Cooks Corner, around 12:30-1:00pm.
19152 Santiago Canyon Rd
Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679
(949) 858-0266
Go here for the Facebook event page.
About Randy Boyd
Click here for details
